to be of service

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be of service" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when offering help or assistance to someone, often in a formal or polite context. Example: "I am here to be of service and assist you with any questions you may have."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Somewhere along the way I received the message that "to be of service is to be a full human being".

Huffington Post

I always wanted to be of service.

The New Yorker

Pleased to be of service.

The Guardian - Sport

Glad to be of service.

The Guardian - Sport

Banks would love to be of service to them.

The New York Times

Said it was no trouble, glad to be of service.

The New Yorker

"I signed up to be of service, foreign and domestic.

The New Yorker

"Glad to be of service," the amiable Mr. Richardson said.

The New York Times

I'm happy to be of service to you".

The New Yorker

But there are many ways to be of service.

The New York Times

I'm just looking to be of service to you".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be of service" when you want to convey a sense of formal helpfulness or dedication to assisting others. It's often suitable in professional or customer-service contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "to be of service" in casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "to help" or "to assist" might sound more natural. The phrase can sound overly formal in everyday settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be of service" functions as an infinitive phrase. It typically introduces a statement of intent or willingness to assist or help someone. Ludwig shows that it often appears in contexts where someone is offering their capabilities or time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be of service" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that conveys a willingness to assist or help. According to Ludwig, it is commonly found in formal and professional contexts, particularly in news and media. While highly versatile, it is important to avoid overusing it in casual settings where simpler alternatives are more appropriate. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is generally viewed as correct and usable in written English, making it a reliable choice for expressing dedication and support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be of assistance

A more formal way of offering help.

to be helpful

Focuses on the act of providing assistance or aid.

to offer one's services

A formal way of proposing assistance or skills.

to be ready to assist

Emphasizes preparedness and eagerness to help.

to be available to help

Highlights the accessibility and willingness to provide support.

to lend a hand

An idiomatic expression indicating willingness to assist.

to be at someone's disposal

Suggests complete availability to help.

to contribute

Focuses on providing input or resources to a common goal.

to give back

Implies returning a favor or contributing to a community.

to do one's part

Focuses on fulfilling one's responsibility or duty to assist.

FAQs

How can I use "to be of service" in a sentence?

You can use "to be of service" to offer assistance in a formal or professional context. For example, "I am here "to be of service" and answer any questions you may have".

What's a more casual alternative to "to be of service"?

In informal situations, you can use phrases like "to help", "to assist", or "to lend a hand" instead of the more formal ""to be of service"".

When is it appropriate to use "to be of service"?

It's appropriate to use ""to be of service"" in formal settings, such as customer service interactions, official correspondence, or when expressing a strong commitment to helping someone.

Is "to be of service" the same as "to be of assistance"?

While similar, ""to be of service"" often implies a more dedicated or professional offering of help compared to "to be of assistance", which is a generally polite way to offer help.